Souter Says He Would Have Retired Even if Obama Lost

Justice David H. Souter told a blogger last weekend that he probably would have announced his retirement even if a Republican had been elected president.

A blogger for the Atlantic caught up with Souter on Saturday after he spoke at an Oxford University alumni luncheon in Washington, D.C. Would the liberal Souter have retired even if John McCain had been elected? the blogger wanted to know.

“Probably so,” Souter replied. “I’m going to be 70 soon. I’ve watched other justices wait until their 80s to retire, and by that time they have nothing left to retire to. I didn’t want that to be me.”

Souter, who will be returning to his beloved hometown of Weare, N.H., told another questioner about a dream he’s been having: He is standing on top of New Hampshire’s highest mountain looking down a path that winds into the distance.